One of the big issues we have as working mums is that we are constantly running from one activity to the next. From getting kids ready for school to heading to work, from leaving work to pick up the kids and then to prepare dinner … where’s the time for doing sports, for example, or for a chat with a friend? Or even do some administrative tasks like checking your bank account, tackle insurance stuff or buy birthday gifts? Ideally, we would have buffer time between work and family to do things like this, but the reality is often different. Many of us do not have grandparents close by that can pitch in when needed. Reducing the working hours to have some time for those things are not an option for many due to the financial impact. So in order to cope with everything the question is: how to make optimal use of your time?
When thinking about it there actually do exist some possibilities. One possibility is to try and combine some of your kids’ leisure activities with your own ones. This can mean for example to use the time when your kids are doing a sports class to do some sports yourself, or also to do some fun activities together. I have collected some ideas for you to help you combine your own activities with your kid’s ones.
Make the most of the time while your kids are busy
Your kids have soccer training twice a week? Great! Why don’t you drop them off and go for a run in the meantime? Your son takes piano lessons? Fantastic, maybe you are into music as well and can practice guitar at the same time. Your daughter dances at a dance school or gym? There might be a different course for adults at the same time. Or, if time does not allow you to do any activity while waiting for them, maybe you can use those spare minutes to search in your smartphone for information to include in your blog, call a friend or update your Linked-in profile?
When the kids have reached a certain age, they also like to have playdates with their friends. When this is the case, this is a perfect opportunity to get some time back, so grab it and spend the time on things you enjoy or need to get done. Maybe there is also an option to ask your kid’s best friend’s parents to pick up your kid and take him/her home for a couple of hours if you have an appointment?
Do sports and other activities together
It is also fun to do activities together with our kids, combining their leisure time with ours. Obviously, some of the offered activities (especially for smaller kids) are very kids-based, meaning you are pretty much accompanying your child without playing a very active role, which would for example be the typical music or psychomotricity classes for toddlers. But there are also activities that are designed for adults with (smaller) kids, where you can actually work out yourself and bring your child along. This is often offered for yoga and zumba, for example, but there are also other activities. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I joined a bellydance class with my elder daughter. She was 2.5 years old by then and had lots of fun dancing along with us, and I had the opportunity to move a bit and be with my child at the same time.
If your kids are older, rock climbing can be an exciting way to spend time and work out together. Or you can go to the pool where you can go for a swim while your kids use the slides and springboards. You can also learn a new sport together. Why not sign up for a beginner’s course in martial arts? This is not only great for work-out but also strengthens values like respect and self-discipline.
Simple exercises outdoors or indoors
Since the COVID situation is currently limiting our options, why not do a bicycle tour together on the weekend? Grab some picnic and explore the nature. This does not cost you a cent and both you and your kids will enjoy the exercise. If you have small kids, make sure to have a large break allowing them to run around, as otherwise you will come home exhausted and the kids will still be full of energy!
If you are not so much into cycling, play catch, soccer, badminton, basketball, inline skates or whatever your kids are into and makes you and them move. You can also practice to throw and catch a ball or jump rope. You will be astonished how these simple exercises will show you your physical limits.
Weather is not great? Do some indoor sports. Turn the music on and dance wildly around. Or follow some online exercises, there is a huge choice for all ages!
Get your kids to join you for house and yardwork
Another great way to spend time together and get things done is to ask your kids to help with the housework. Cooking, baking, cleaning … even the smallest children like to help. Yes, it will most probably take you longer but at least you avoid having your bored kids following you around and asking when you are finished every 2 minutes.
Let them put ingredients into the bowl and stir when baking a cake, cut the vegetables when preparing dinner and set the table. Our kids also love to use the vacuum cleaner and the 5 year old helps pairing up the socks when I fold the laundry. Be sure to let them actively participate while you are doing the household tasks. Like this they feel involved and don’t get bored so quickly. Maybe your elder kid can also read a book to the younger one or they can do some other fun activity together while you are busy? This also helps them to bond and your bigger one will learn the concept of responsibility.
Many kids like to join the parents for the weekly shopping in the supermarket. They can help to search the shelves for the items on the list and even get the bonus to choose which fruits or juice they would like to buy.
Another task our kids like to help with is planting. They love to put flowers into new pots, add potting soil and water them. They also check the plants for caterpillars. The most exciting part is, of course, when they can harvest something, like tomatoes or strawberries.
Make optimal use of your time by getting help
Not to forget: Technology can help us, too. Dishwashers and robot vacuum cleaners that clean the floor while you are doing other things can also reduce the time you spend on household tasks.
Or, if you can afford it, get help with the cleaning tasks or pay a babysitter now and then for a couple of hours to play with your kids while you are busy doing “your” stuff.
So, did you get some ideas how to make optimal use of your time? There are lots of possibilities. Have any additional tips? I would love to hear them!
If you want to make the most of your time at work, check out my post around habits for a more productive work-day.
